Speak your mind without saying a word: what your body language reveals about you.

You know that old saying about actions speaking louder than words? It's sooo true ... because your body language reveals a lot about you. Your facial expressions and body gestures are the first things people notice--even if they don't consciously realize it. Before you utter a single word, your mannerisms, no matter how subtle, send a message that's loud and clear. Your posture, how you hold your arms, what your eyes focus on--these all speak volumes. Want to learn how to decipher your body language and use it to your advantage? Lessons start right here....

You spot a Chad Michael Murray lookalike at a party. Time to take a deep breath and ask, "How can I get him to notice me?"

OK, when we talk about using body language to get the interest of someone cute, we're not suggesting you get in touch with your inner Britney Spears. But there are ways to carry yourself that are incredibly attractive--and keep your dignity intact.

The Approachable Helper Pose

Say you're sitting in the center of a couch filled with all your friends. You guys are hanging out and every once in a while you lean over and whisper funny comments in your BFF's ear. A pretty daunting sitch for a guy, don't ya think? If you want to make yourself more accessible, get up off that couch and offer to help the hostess--pass around food, take care of drink refills, make sure the snack bowls are bottomless. This way, you're busying yourself--alone--and you're not glued to the furniture. Just don't be so busy picking up used cups and napkins that your crush can't get to you. Slow down and give him a moment to say hi to you!

The Open-Palm Hair Flip

A hair flip snags attention in a casual way. Don't do a full-on Cameron Diaz hair toss, which can look sloppy or even ditzy. Instead, slowly throw back your hair with an open palm once. Smoothing your hair is flirty, too, but overdoing it can come off as annoying. "Playing with your hair too much can be a negative sign of being uptight," says Roslyn Roland of The Image and Etiquette Institute in New Jersey.

The Hand-on-Hip Stance

Placing one hand on your hip shows confidence! But be careful, because hands on both hips can be viewed as aggressive. Hand-on-Hip is also a great way to avoid nervous habits, like hair twirling. What to do with that other hand? If you want to express an interest while chatting with your hottie, a quick brush to his arm anywhere from the wrist to the elbow is flirty in a good way.

The Look-Here Look-There Trick

"Part of flirting is appearing to lose interest in order to create more interest from the other person. Looking down or away falls into this category," says relationship specialist Susan Quilliam. This is what's traditionally known as "playing hard-to-get," girls, and for whatever reasion, it mostly works. So while eye contact is important, avoid the getting into a staring contest. Look him in the eye when you're talking to him, but let your eyes dart away now and then.

You meet a group of girls at the Y, and they invite you to go along for burgers after shooting some hoops. On the court, you're completely at ease. But you're not so sure of yourself in a setting where you actually have to try to carry on a fun conversation. You really want these girls to like you, which makes you even more nervous.

Making new friends is challenging. Lots of girls admit being shy out of fear that they won't be liked. If you feel that way, realize most girls are kinda nervous around new groups. No biggie, really.

The Super-Casual Handshake

Shaking hands is the safest form of touch. So, when introduced even to other girls, it's totally cool to extend your right hand and shake. "Shaking hands breaks the stranger barrier," says Patti Wood, author of Success Secrets: Body Language in Business. It also gives you an opportunity to etch a name into your brain. Remembering the names of people you meet can be tough because your mind is reeling from the newness of it all. As you shake hands, repeat the person's name to lock it into your memory: "Hi, Tiffany, so nice to meet you!"

The Triangle-in-Forehead Focus

Roslyn suggests a 4-second look into someone's eyes when being introduced. "Imagine looking at a triangle in the middle of her forehead," she suggests. That way, you won't be staring directly, which could creep someone out. One way to make casual, friendly eye contact is to take quick notice of the color of your new friend's eyes.

The Smile-and-Nod Maneuver

Once the introductions are out of the way, focus on what your new friend has to say. It's common courtesy--if you're in the middle of a story and notice people looking around the room, don't you think, "Hello? Are you listening to me"? Look attentive to let the person know you're into the convo. No need to interrupt. Just smile. And nod.

The Mental Convo Checklist

Your turn to talk, and you can't think of a thing to say? Make a mental checklist ahead of time about what to discuss with new friends during situations where conversations might drag. Be prepared with some "safe" topics to talk about. If you love going to the movies, ask a new friend what she thought of Josh Duhamel in Win a Date With Tad Hamilton! When you feel comfortable talking about something, your body language will be calm and casual, and so will your voice.

The Non-Intimidator

When talking with new chums, don't ever stand up while others are sitting down--it can come off as intimidating. Instead, pull up a chair and sit next to them. Also, it's OK to hug close friends or grab their hands in excitement, but it's best not to do that with new buds. Some girls may feel uncomfortable if you suddenly touch them. Save the affectionate stuff for your old pals.

You want to stay out late to hit a party with a group of friends, but your 'rents don't approve. You're tempted to whine, but you learned a long time ago that hissy fits get you nowhere. So how do you negotiate with the 'rents?

To be taken seriously, let your body language do some of the talking. The way you project yourself around your parents (and other figures of authority) determines how you will be treated in return. No foot stomping allowed!

The Princess Arm Placement

First off, do not cross your arms! Crossing your arms in front of your chest gives off a "stay away from me/I'm not worthy of your attention" vibe. It can also emit a confrontational "Oh, yeah?" mood. Not the message you want to project! And while your arms are uncrossed, avoid flailing. "Excess hand movements are distracting and take away from what you are saying," says Roslyn. So, what to do with your hands? Place them straight down at your side or gently fold them in your lap--think princess!

The Eye-to-Mouth Method

Of course, eye contact is always important. But looking an authority figure (that would be your parental figure) straight in the eye can seem threatening. So look at his mouth instead. That way, you won't be distracted by your dad's icy stare while you're trying to make your case. And be conscious of your choice of words. It's totally cool to use "like" and "awesome" around your buds but, with adults, you don't want to sound too young. "Annunciate clearly, but don't be cocky," warns image consultant Zacki Murphy. "Manners are important."

The To-a-Tee Posture

Ten-shun! If you're hitting a parent up for extra privileges, don't slouch over with your head down. You want to appear mature and serious. Zacki suggests making your body into a T, shoulders lined straight. "Slouching looks sloppy," she says. If you're seated, sit up and cross your legs at the ankles.

The Lean-In Listening Technique

Be sure to face your parents when you have The Discussion. Keep your eyes on them, lean forward and nod slowly when they make an important point. This technique also works in the classroom--research shows that teachers respond better to students who appear interested and motivated. And, just like in school, nix the gum-chewing when you're trying to talk to the folks. It can make you come off as silly and trivial-minded.

Yikes! Oral-presentation time! This grade is sooo crucial to your final report-card mark. OK, breathe, stay calm ... and don't panic.

Even celebrities 'fess up that they have major stage fright when giving acceptance speeches (you know, for those Oscars) in front of an audience. If you freak out about public speaking, relax--you can fake it. With the right body language, no one will even know your knees are knocking.

The Stay-Calm Stroll

When speaking in front of a classroom (or onstage), the key to staying calm is to stroll ever so slightly. Shift your feet two or three tiny baby-steps forward, then back. People probably won't even notice your bottom half is moving, because they're watching the upper part of your body as you speak. And that's why you shouldn't fiddle with your earrings. Focus on the paper in front of you or the poster you made.

The Eye-to-the-Sky

Eye contact can be nerve-wracking in a presentation setting, but stay cool try to focus on each classmate one at a time. If that's too much to master, look over their heads. That way, you're not staring directly at anyone, but you're not looking down at your feet either (bad move).

The Expert Hand

Instead of shoving your hands into your pockets or making fists, let people see your hands. Your gestures should be descriptive of what you're saying. If you have a poster or other visual to go along with your presentation, point to it occasionally. Holding your hands open makes you an open person who's an authority on the subject, um, at hand.

The Facial Rehearsal

Certain expressions don't belong on your face. These include licking your lips, tightening your jaw, frowning, or twitching. Nervous facial gestures take away from your message and bore your audience. So practice. "Look in the mirror as you speak," says Roslyn. "Be sure your expressions match what you are saying." And through practice, you're less likely to talk fast and say, "Ummm." Then you can just focus on what's important--getting an A!

LOOK CONFIDENT ... EVEN WHEN YOU'RE NOT!

The way that you move and groove your body totally affects your confidence levels. Here are some tips to remember:

* Find a confidence role model, Pay attention to what she does.

* Dress to impress, Ask yourself: Do I look confident?

* When you shake hands--be firm, not wimpy.

* When you talk, don't plant your feet in concrete. You want to keep loose, Your carefree, fun attitude and positive vibe will rub off.

* When you walk, stay tall with your head and shoulders back; and hold your head up just slightly. So much prettier then slouching down the halls.

* Want to seem friendly? Turn fully towards the other person.

* Always stand with your shoulders back (don't slouch!).

* Keep your hands out of pockets. Do you really want to look lumpy? Didn't think so.

* Make good eye contact but stay away from staring, Glance around a little.

* Be sure and assertive when you speak. You don't want to sound timid or afraid.

* Smile! You never know who may be admiring that gorgeous face of yours!